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6 Tips for Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

If you’re one of the estimated 34.5 million Americans with Irish ancestry, March 17 is a green letter day for you. New York, Boston and Chicago are some of the best U.S. destinations for celebrating St. Paddy’s Day; all boast large, festive parades and neat traditions (like dying the Chicago River green). However, if you really want to celebrate your Irish roots, or you just like a good party, you’ll want to check out these tips for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.

Tips for Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

Whether you’re Irish or not, donning green and drinking beer with friends is a time-honored way to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day. In Ireland, the place to be on this holiday is Dublin. What began as a one-day celebration in Ireland’s capital city has turned into the country’s biggest multi-day festival and one of Europe’s best. Here are six tips for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland:1. Watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

This is the parade to end all parades when it comes to St. Paddy’s Day. It’s been likened to Carnival in Rio only colder, with marching bands and colorful puppets. 2 Visit the Guinness Factory.

Ireland’s most-visited tourist attraction is worth fighting the crowds at on St. Patrick’s Day. The factory throws its own party to celebrate the holiday and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Be sure to spy a view of downtown Dublin from the Guinness Gravity Bar.3 Walk the Streets St. Patrick Walked.

Take the road less traveled through Dublin with a walking tour that guides you down the spots that everyone from Celts to Vikings to Normans have called home. Choose a guided tour from a historian or a themed tour that focuses on Dublin’s art, culture, gardens or pub scene.4 Explore Your Ancestry.

The National Archives of Ireland is located on Bishop Street and houses an abundance of genealogy information. If you’ve been wanting to reconnect with your Irish roots, add this must-see stop to your itinerary.5 Get Pinched at an Irish Pub.

Or avoid this favorite holiday past time by keeping a pint of green beer in your hand. The local pubs are overflowing with history and green beer around St. Patrick’s Day. Set aside time to enjoy one.6 Get Outside the City.

Explore Dublin county and take in one of the many St. Patrick’s Day festivals happening there. The town of Skerries hosts a family-friendly festival for St. Patrick’s Day that features international musicians, fireworks and a presentation on St. Patrick himself.

Our travel advisors are here to help you plan the perfect St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland! Contact us today to get started.